Working with Dones Construction
The right starting point for your property and your plans.
What construction services does Dones Construction offer?
Dones Construction LLC provides commercial construction, residential remodeling, government construction support, design-build coordination and excavation for qualified projects. Our work includes tenant improvements, retail and office build-outs, home additions, whole-home renovations and focused commercial repairs.
Explore our construction servicesWhat areas does Dones Construction serve?
We are based in Apollo Beach and serve Tampa, Brandon, Riverview and surrounding Tampa Bay communities. Our service territory includes Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Qualified commercial and government projects may be considered throughout Florida; send the project address so we can confirm fit.
Is Dones Construction licensed and insured?
Dones Construction LLC is a licensed and insured Florida Certified Building Contractor operating under license CBC1265998. Before signing a construction agreement, verify the current license record through Florida DBPR and request current insurance documentation appropriate to your project.
Verify a Florida contractor licenseHow do I request a construction estimate?
Send Dones Construction your project address, a description of the work, your target budget and desired completion date. Include photos, drawings or specifications if available. Call (813) 298-4110 or use our project inquiry page so we can review the scope and identify the next step.
Send your project detailsDo I need architectural plans before contacting a contractor?
You can contact us before plans are complete. Early discussion helps identify what information is needed to evaluate the work. Structural alterations, additions and changes of use may require architectural or engineering documents. Design-build coordination can help connect planning, pricing and construction responsibilities.
Learn about design-build coordinationWhere can I see examples of Dones Construction’s work?
Our project experience page includes commercial and public-facility work, with photographs and project videos. Examples include the Wing Snob restaurant build-out in Riverview, Tampa Sports Authority work at Raymond James Stadium and the Boys & Girls Club renovation in Fort Myers. Ask about experience relevant to your scope.
View project experienceCommercial construction
Plan the space, the work and the impact on your operations.
What is a commercial tenant build-out?
A tenant build-out adapts leased space for a business’s use. Work can include partitions, ceilings, flooring, restrooms and coordinated electrical, plumbing or HVAC changes. Before pricing, clarify the landlord’s delivery condition, tenant responsibilities, intended use and any lease requirements that affect construction.
Commercial construction servicesDoes Dones Construction take on small commercial repair projects?
Yes. Dones Construction evaluates focused commercial repairs and improvements, including doors and hardware, drywall, ceilings, flooring, tenant turnovers and restroom renovations. Share the location, photos, access restrictions and urgency so we can assess the work and scheduling requirements.
Commercial repairs and small projectsCan my business stay open during a renovation?
Sometimes. An occupied renovation depends on safe separation of work areas, accessible exits, utility needs and the nature of your operations. Discuss phasing, noisy work, dust control, deliveries and planned shutdowns before construction. Some activities may require temporary closure; continued operation should be evaluated for the specific site.
How long does a commercial construction project take?
There is no reliable single timeline for every commercial project. A focused repair and a full restaurant build-out have very different dependencies. The schedule should account for design, approvals, material lead times, field work, inspections and closeout. Share any lease, opening or occupancy deadline at the first discussion.
How much does a commercial build-out cost in Tampa Bay?
A useful budget depends on the existing space, intended use, square footage, finish selections and required building-system changes. Restaurant and office scopes can differ substantially even at the same size. Provide plans and site information for scope-based pricing instead of relying on a generic cost-per-square-foot figure.
Who handles electrical, plumbing and HVAC work?
Regulated specialty-trade work is performed by properly licensed subcontractors when required. Dones Construction coordinates the construction scope and trade sequencing. Confirm which trades, utility connections, equipment and inspections are included in the written proposal so responsibilities are clear before work starts.
Residential remodeling
Practical answers for the place you call home.
What residential remodeling projects does Dones Construction handle?
We evaluate home additions, whole-home renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, structural and interior improvements, and qualified new residential construction in Tampa Bay. The first review considers the existing home, proposed changes, plans, budget and timing.
Residential construction and remodelingCan I live at home during a remodel?
It depends on which rooms and essential systems will remain usable. Discuss access to a bathroom and kitchen, dust containment, work hours, security, pets and children. Whole-home work or extended utility interruptions may make temporary accommodation more practical. Agree on a living arrangement before demolition begins.
How long does a kitchen or bathroom remodel take?
The construction period depends on layout changes, custom products, trade coordination and inspection requirements. Ordering cabinetry or fixtures can add time before work starts. Finalize key selections early and ask for a schedule that separates planning and procurement from the time the room will be out of use.
What should I check before planning a home addition?
Start with the property survey, available space, existing structure and the purpose of the addition. The design team and local jurisdiction can identify applicable setbacks, lot coverage, drainage and other site constraints. Share HOA requirements and any known flood-zone or easement information during planning.
How should I prepare my home for construction?
Clear the work area, protect or relocate valuables and agree on crew access, parking and material storage. Identify a safe route through occupied rooms and a separate area for pets and children. Confirm dust barriers, cleanup expectations and who to contact when a question comes up.
Budgets, decisions and closeout
Know what is included and how changes will be handled.
How do I compare construction proposals fairly?
Compare the same drawings, scope and finish requirements. Check exclusions, allowances, permit responsibilities, site protection, debris removal and closeout items. A lower total may leave important work unpriced. Ask for clarification of differences before deciding which proposal best fits the project.
What is the difference between an allowance and a contingency?
An allowance is a budget amount for an item that has not been fully selected or priced, such as a fixture. A contingency is money reserved for uncertainty or unexpected conditions. Confirm how allowances are reconciled and keep a project-specific reserve appropriate to the building and scope.
Can I change the scope after construction begins?
Changes may be possible, but they can affect completed work, purchasing and the schedule. A written change order should describe the revision, price adjustment and timing impact before the change proceeds. Make decisions early and confirm who is authorized to approve changes.
What should I know about deposits and payment schedules?
Payment terms should be stated in the construction agreement, including the initial payment, progress milestones and final payment conditions. Ask how payments relate to completed work and ordered materials. Dones Construction’s project-specific terms should be confirmed in your proposal; this FAQ does not set a standard deposit or financing offer.
How will I stay informed during construction?
Agree on a main point of contact, update frequency and a method for tracking decisions before work starts. Useful updates cover completed work, upcoming activities, owner selections and issues affecting cost or timing. Dones Construction emphasizes clear coordination from scope review through the final walkthrough.
What happens at the final walkthrough, and what warranty applies?
The final walkthrough identifies remaining corrections, often called a punch list, and helps organize project handover. Confirm the applicable inspection closeout, operating information and product documents. Workmanship and manufacturer warranty terms depend on the agreement and products; request the written coverage, exclusions and claim process for your project.
Florida permits and licensing
Check the requirements for the property, the work and the contractor.
Do I need a permit for a remodel or commercial renovation in Florida?
Permit requirements depend on the work and the local building department. Structural alterations, additions and many electrical, plumbing or mechanical changes commonly require review; some cosmetic work may not. Confirm requirements for your property and scope before starting. A small project is not automatically exempt from permitting.
Florida DBPR construction FAQsWho is responsible for permits and inspections?
The construction agreement should identify who prepares documents, submits applications, pays fees and coordinates inspections. Dones Construction provides permitting support and inspection coordination within the agreed scope. Confirm responsibilities before work begins; contractor licensing and local permit approval are separate requirements.
What is the difference between a Florida certified and registered contractor?
A Florida certified contractor can work statewide within the scope of the license. A registered contractor is limited to the jurisdictions covered by the registration. Dones Construction holds a Certified Building Contractor license, CBC1265998. Always verify the license category, status and business relationship with DBPR.
Read DBPR’s licensing guidanceDoes HOA or landlord approval replace a building permit?
No. Private approvals and government permits serve different purposes. An HOA may review exterior changes, and a landlord may require plans, insurance or work-hour restrictions. Those approvals do not replace permits required by the local jurisdiction. Identify both approval paths during planning.
Helpful planning resources
For licensing, consult Florida DBPR’s construction FAQs. For homeowner preparation, explore NARI’s remodeling questions and glossary. Your local building department determines permit requirements for your property.
These answers provide general planning guidance. Your written proposal, construction agreement and project approvals define the scope, pricing, schedule and responsibilities.